SHIMLA: Power Engineers Association Urges Government Not to Experiment with Electricity Board

The executive committee of the Power Engineers Association convened on September 29, 2024, to discuss various pressing issues, primarily focusing on the delayed promotions of engineers and the discussions held in the first meeting of the government-appointed sub-committee.

Lokesh Thakur, President of the Power Engineers Association, expressed concern over the minutes of the sub-committee's first meeting, which were circulated on social media.

"After reviewing the minutes, it is evident that those presenting before the sub-committee are unfamiliar with the operational intricacies of the power sector," said Thakur.

He added that many members of the association felt that the government was being misled.

As a result, the Power Engineers Association has decided to formally request the sub-committee to allow their delegation to present their perspective before any decisions are made.

In addition to this, the members voiced serious concern over the lack of promotions in the Electricity Board, with no progress for the past six months.

This has left seven Superintendent Engineer positions vacant. Thakur pointed out, “While there is no doubt that there is a severe shortage of technical staff at the field level, creating an artificial shortage at the engineering level will severely impact the board’s functioning in the long run.

Engineers are also growing frustrated due to the delay in promotions.”

The Association acknowledged that the current government has created positions for a Chief Engineer and a Superintendent Engineer, which demonstrates the government’s awareness of the increasing workload that engineers will face in the future.

"Electricity is not a mere commodity to be bought and sold. The sector faces numerous challenges that are only going to escalate with the rise of electric vehicles, solar energy, and renewable energy," Thakur warned.

The meeting concluded with members extending their best wishes for the Chief Minister’s recovery. It was decided that, once he is in good health, a delegation will meet him to bring these issues to his attention.